Description
The Polackorum Pencil Wrasse (Pseudojuloides polackorum) is a vibrant, slender marine fish from the southwestern Indian Ocean (South Africa to Kenya) known for its distinct coloration, peaceful nature, and suitability for reef aquariums, though it's an expert-level fish needing a sandy substrate to burrow and meaty foods, sometimes nipping small invertebrates.
Key Characteristics:
Scientific Name: Pseudojuloides polackorum.
Common Names: African Pencil Wrasse, Polacks.
Appearance: Slender body with bright, iridescent markings and often a black caudal fin (tail).
Size: Males reach about 12.3 cm (5 inches).
Aquarium Care:
Difficulty: Expert.
Tank Size: At least 50 gallons, with plenty of live rock for hiding.
Substrate: Requires a fine sand bed to burrow and sleep in.
Temperament: Peaceful but can nip at small shrimp and invertebrates, making it less reliably reef-safe.
Diet: Carnivorous, needs meaty foods like Mysis or brine shrimp.
Water Parameters: Standard marine parameters (temp 72-78°F, pH 8.1-8.4, Salinity 1.020-1.025).
Habitat:
Native to subtropical reefs in the Western Indian Ocean, from South Africa to Kenya and
Madagascar.
Found in relatively shallow waters (5-20m).
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